women in the
construction industry 2020.

More than two-thirds of women in construction (72%) say they have experienced gender discrimination in the workplace. We surveyed 4,200 people to see if and how the construction industry has progressed since our first report in 2016.

about the research.

According to a poll of 4,200 construction workers in the UK, two in every five (41%) women in construction said they had been on the receiving end of inappropriate comments or behaviour from a male colleague. Worryingly, this was significantly higher than when similar research was carried out two years ago when 28% of women they had experienced gender discrimination in the workplace in the form of inappropriate comments or behaviour from male colleagues.

building change - diversity in construction.

Despite the positive movement, there is still a prevailing view that the construction industry lags behind other sectors when it comes to workforce diversity. Samantha West, Commercial Director at Vinci Construction speaks on diversity and her experience of coming out as a transgender female within the industry.

what women want.

A flexible approach to construction work.

The current male-dominated industry is often guilty of overlooking flexible working options and sticking with a traditional hours-based model of working. This, of course, does take into account maternity leave and return to work programmes for women who would benefit from a phased return.

Where employers truly embrace flexible working practices this can be a major positive contribution to work-life balance. From a practical but also an emotional perspective. Agile working is much more attainable in today’s world and offers benefits both to the employer and to the employee.
I also think it’s important to note that an increasing proportion of men also strive for a better work-life balance, and comments on agile working equally apply. This is notable in itself, but it is also, of course, significant in enabling partners and spouses to adapt their work and home commitments.

Ingrid Osborne, divisional chair, London and South East - Taylor Wimpey Group.

The industry will not change and will not get significantly better until we increase equality and diversity. We need to utilise women’s unique skill sets, the same way we utilise men’s - that is when the industry will become more efficient.

Angela Carney, consultant and director, Carney consultancy

my hope is that in the future, diversity is something that is just there in the workplace. It will become a subject we don’t have to talk about anymore.

Samantha West, commercial director, Vinci Facilities

As a nation, we need to ensure consistency. Geographic pockets of discrimination could impact regional projects in the long-term.